Stage III Colon Cancer

Most stage 3 colon cancer patients will receive a recommendation of surgery, followed by chemotherapy.

Stage III Colon Cancer

Most stage 3 colon cancer patients will receive a recommendation of surgery, followed by chemotherapy.

Surgery

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the location of your tumor.

Surgery

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the location of your tumor.

Combination Chemotherapy

Patients who can tolerate combination chemotherapy that includes oxaliplatin (Eloxatin®) are often prescribed:

  • Folfox — combination treatment with IV 5-FU (fluorouracil), leucovorin, and oxaliplatin

  • CapeOx — combination treatment with capecitabine (a chemotherapy pill similar to 5-FU) and oxaliplatin.

Any patient receiving chemotherapy containing 5-FU or capecitabine should undergo DPD testing prior to beginning treatment.

Combination Chemotherapy

Patients who can tolerate combination chemotherapy that includes oxaliplatin (Eloxatin®) are often prescribed:

  • Folfox — combination treatment with IV 5-FU (fluorouracil), leucovorin, and oxaliplatin

  • CapeOx — combination treatment with capecitabine (a chemotherapy pill similar to 5-FU) and oxaliplatin.

Any patient receiving chemotherapy containing 5-FU or capecitabine should undergo DPD testing prior to beginning treatment.

Alternative Chemotherapy

Patients who have medical reasons not to use combination chemotherapy may be prescribed chemotherapy with a single drug:

  • Xeloda® (capecitabine) — an oral “prodrug” which is converted to 5-FU in the tissues
  • 5-FU and leucovorin — an intravenous chemotherapy drug given with a vitamin (leucovorin) that enhances the effect of 5-FU.

Your doctor can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different chemotherapy regimens for your individual needs.

Any patient receiving chemotherapy containing 5-FU or capecitabine should undergo DPD testing prior to beginning treatment.

Alternative Chemotherapy

Patients who have medical reasons not to use combination chemotherapy may be prescribed chemotherapy with a single drug:

  • Xeloda® (capecitabine) — an oral “prodrug” which is converted to 5-FU in the tissues
  • 5-FU and leucovorin — an intravenous chemotherapy drug given with a vitamin (leucovorin) that enhances the effect of 5-FU.

Your doctor can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different chemotherapy regimens for your individual needs.

Any patient receiving chemotherapy containing 5-FU or capecitabine should undergo DPD testing prior to beginning treatment.

Radiation

If surgery reveals the tumor has spread outside the colon so that the tumor extends into other tissues such as the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum),
follow-up radiation may be recommended.

Radiation is not a routine treatment for stage III colon cancer.

Radiation

If surgery reveals the tumor has spread outside the colon so that the tumor extends into other tissues such as the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum), follow-up radiation may be recommended.

Radiation is not a routine treatment for stage III colon cancer.

Champion Stories

So many people look for information and hope when a diagnosis hits. Our Champion Stories Hub
showcases the resilience, strength, and heart of relentless champions of hope.

Cindy Wright

In late August 2023 I had a regular colonoscopy, with no symptoms and no risk factors, but was diagnosed with cancer in my sigmoid colon. My husband of 37 years was with me, and we were shocked of course.

This was followed by CT scans, blood tests, meetings with 2 surgeons (one local and one at MD Anderson), a local oncologist, and then surgery at MD Anderson in early October 2023. I found out I was low risk stage 3 (T3N1aM0), and my colon was also too long for my body so they removed some of the extra length as well (called a redundant colon and you are usually born with it). One of 31 lymph nodes had tumor cells, so chemo was in my future.

Champion Stories

So many people look for information and hope when a diagnosis hits. Our Champion Stories Hub showcases the resilience, strength, and heart of relentless champions of hope.

Cindy Wright

In late August 2023 I had a regular colonoscopy, with no symptoms and no risk factors, but was diagnosed with cancer in my sigmoid colon. My husband of 37 years was with me, and we were shocked of course.

This was followed by CT scans, blood tests, meetings with 2 surgeons (one local and one at MD Anderson), a local oncologist, and then surgery at MD Anderson in early October 2023. I found out I was low risk stage 3 (T3N1aM0), and my colon was also too long for my body so they removed some of the extra length as well (called a redundant colon and you are usually born with it). One of 31 lymph nodes had tumor cells, so chemo was in my future.